The anatomy of superficial inferior epigastric artery flap

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the anatomical variations of superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap as a muscle-sparing flap. Methods: A series of 40 dissections were performed on 20 preserved or fresh male cadavers. The site origin and drainage of vessels, caliber, length, and correlation between diameter and length of pedicle were identified. Results: The SIEA and SIEV were identified at inguinal ligament level in 38 (95%) and 40 (100%) dissections, respectively. The SIEA originated directly from a common femoral artery 22 (57.9%) or a common trunk with other arteries. The SIEA was found within 1 cm of the midpoint of the inguinal ligament in 33 of 38 cases. The mean+/-SD length of SIEA was 3.04+/-1.73 (0.5-7) cm. The mean+/-SD caliber of SIEA was 1.45+/-0.35 (0.7-2.1) mm. The length of SIEV ranged from 2.2 to 12 cm with a mean+/-SD of 5.45+/-2.08 cm. The caliber of SIEV ranged from 1.6 to 4 mm with a mean+/-SD of 2.14+/-0.45 mm. The length of SIEA correlated with caliber of arterial pedicle (p<0.001 and correlation coefficient = 0.517). Conclusion: The inferior epigastric artery flap can be applied to microsurgical flap transfer, potentially in breast reconstruction, hemifacial atrophy, phalloplasty, or when extremely large amounts of skin coverage are required.